We The People: This Day in History, December 24
Lampasas Courthouse Destroyed and Rebuilt Becomes an Enduring Texas Landmark
LAMPASAS, Texas (KWTX) - On December 24, 1871, the original Lampasas County Courthouse, a wooden frame structure built in 1856, caught fire.
The devastating Christmas Eve fire destroyed county records, and while they did rebuild the courthouse in 1873, that same year a flood destroyed the remaining records.
Both the destruction of the courthouses and county records occurred at an unfortunate time, with land developers seeking to move into the county.
In 1875, Lampasas farmers were forced to ally in a defense against encroachments.
The county’s third and final courthouse was completed in 1884, designed by architect W.C. Dodson, who designed 8 courthouses.
The Lampasas County Courthouse is the third-oldest in the state, still serving its original, intended purpose.
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